Melva Hanath

Melva Marie Hanath, 76, of Brenham, passed away Monday, March 8, 2021, and heaven surely heard her coming.

Melva was born to the late Herbert and Valeska Gregor Hanath in Brenham, Texas, on February 20, 1945. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Zionsville and confirmed at Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Caldwell. After growing up in Caldwell, Melva moved to Brenham where she made a life and numerous friends.

Melva never met a stranger, and anyone who knew her could hear her recognizable voice and contagious laughter a mile away. She kept her friends on their toes wondering what she would say next—which was always exactly what was on her mind.

Melva took pride in her plants, her love for animals, and her cooking. She was known around town for her baking and canned goods. She was a natural caretaker, whether it was taking care of her mom in later years, a stray animal who needed a home, running errands for her older friends, or spending time with her godchildren, she was willing and ready to help.

She was always up for an adventure. She loved to travel anywhere with her friends and family, and she made too many memories to count with her friends in the Birthday Bunch. A quick weekend trip to gamble in Louisiana would never be turned down.

Melva did not have children of her own, but as a nursery school owner and a godmother, she loved and helped raise many kids in Brenham. She was a second mother to her godchildren and loved them like they were her own. Movie nights with Melva were a favorite for her youngest godsons, Tice and Slade. She recently introduced “her boys” to Swamp People, feed sack races, and her famous homemade pickles. For anyone not in a hurry, she probably had a story or a picture to share.

Survivors include numerous extended family; cousins, Barry Hannath, Barbara Tegeler, Linda Reid; goddaughter, Brandi Conway; godsons, Harper Lange and wife Natalie, Tice Lange, Slade Lange.

Melva was preceded in death by parents, Herbert Edward Hanath and Valeska Gregor Hanath; sisters, Oranell Frieda Hanath, Nathalie Ida Hanath.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, March 12, at Memorial Oaks Chapel.

The family graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 13, at Prairie Lea Cemetery, with Pastor Jill Vivroux.

Memorials may be directed to the Diabetic Foundation or Brenham Animal Services.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, TX, 77833.